Dear members of the U-M community,

As our academic year unfolds, I invite you to embrace our collective responsibility and potential toward addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The University of Michigan must take a leading role in advancing a sustainable and just future, and I am pleased today to share that we’ve made considerable strides toward university-wide carbon neutrality.

Earlier today, we released a report chronicling University climate action during the 2022 fiscal year. The report details innovative actions, ranging from planning campus-wide geo-exchange systems for heating and cooling to fostering a broad culture of sustainability. It also includes our priorities for the year ahead. I encourage you to read the report and get involved further at planetblue.umich.edu, where you can track our carbon neutrality and sustainability progress and submit your own ideas.

I’m motivated by the fact that so many in our community are putting our planet first: in the lab, on campus, and in partnership with communities near and far. I’d like to recognize the countless students, staff, and faculty who advance U-M sustainability every day.

Carbon neutrality is at the heart of what we do; in planning and powering our buildings, deploying our buses, pursuing leading research, and making investments to fund such work. I look forward to building on our progress and learning from like-minded partners and communities as we pursue a more sustainable world. Together, we can take meaningful climate action.

Sincerely,

Mary Sue Coleman
President